§ 55. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Food if his attention has been drawn to the information provided by the St. Faiths and Aylsham Rural District Council in Norfolk that certain fruit and fruit syrup imported from China and bottled in this country does not appear to comply with the standards of food hygiene laid down by his Department; if he has evidence of other importations of this character; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
§ Dr. SummerskillYes, Sir, and I have inquired into this case. Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that hygienic conditions are observed in food factories and the Medical Officer of Health of this district in which the factory is situated has ascertained that this bottled fruit is no longer being produced. The fruit and syrup from which it was made were imported privately and not by my Department. There are other small imports from time to time, but I have had no other complaints and I am satisfied that the local authority is taking necessary action to improve conditions at the factory.